A Bargain Made with Frosting

Ch-23 Reaching the Finals, but Missing the Cheers.

Sighing, Annika tried to push aside the disappointment that settled over her like a shadow despite reaching the final round. The announcement about families attending the competition struck a raw nerve, highlighting her loneliness. Glancing around, she saw smiles bloom on the faces of other finalists as they shared their joy with parents, siblings, and spouses. A lump formed in her throat.

Determined not to let her dejection win, Annika focused on the practicalities. She meticulously jotted down the details – venue (Taj Hotel), time (11:00 AM), and the family registration link – a constant reminder of her absent support system.

Leaving the venue, Annika felt a complex web of emotions. The thrill of advancing was eclipsed by the hollowness of not having someone to celebrate with.

Back in the vast emptiness of her penthouse, the silence echoed Annika's loneliness. Picking up her family photo, she spoke to it, her voice thick with emotion, "Mumma, Papa, see your little princess is all grown up and chasing her dream. I wish you were here to see it, to cheer me on." A tear escaped as she reminisced about sweet memories with her parents.

She imagined how things would be different if they were alive. Her father would be bragging to everyone about her success and would be whipping up her favorite dishes, while her mother would be distributing sweets throughout the neighborhood. And even if she lost, their love and support would be unwavering.

"I miss you, Mumma and papa," she cried, clutching the photo to her chest. "Why did you have to leave me alone? In the final round, everyone will have their families, but I'll be all by myself."

Just then, her phone rang. Wiping away her tears, she answered the call.  It was Shivay. After composing herself, she managed a greeting. Shivay, bubbling with excitement, didn't even wait for her response.

"Annika! How'd it go? Did you make it to the next round? Of course you did, silly! Don't worry about dinner tonight. I'm ordering takeout to celebrate. Okay? Annika? Are you listening?"

A smile tugged at Annika's lips. Maybe her parents weren't here, but she had Shivay. "Yes, you're right," she replied. "I made it to the finals. Thank you, for everything."

"No need for thanks, Annika. You deserve it. See you soon. Gotta go, meeting to attend." With that, Shivay hung up.

After hanging up, Annika freshened up. Upon returning, she saw messages buzzing on her phone. It was her extended family – Dadi, Rudra, Priyanka, Om, Mrs. Patel, and Mrs. Ahuja – all congratulating her. She messaged them back, sharing the news about reaching the finals. While they weren't blood-related, they were her chosen family. Hopeful, she decided to invite them to the final round, secretly wishing they would come to cheer her on. And then she took a nap.

Anxious sleep did little to ease the tension as the final loomed. Annika woke with a start, the silence of the penthouse broken by unfamiliar noises downstairs. Fear gripped her. Shivay wouldn't arrive at this hour, and Mrs. Ahuja wouldn't be rummaging through rooms. Grabbing a vase for defense, she crept downstairs, her heart pounding.

The sound led her to Shivay's library, the door ajar. Inside, a figure in a dust-covered t-shirt and trousers fumbled through drawers. Adrenaline surged, and Annika raised the vase to strike.

"Annika, what are you doing?" a startled voice called out. It was Shivay, disarmed and bewildered. Relief washed over her, so sudden it left her shaky.

"Mr. Oberoi? It was you! I heard noises and thought there was an intruder. What are you doing… and why are you wearing… that?" she stammered, pointing at the cloth covering his head.

Shivay chuckled, placing the vase on a table.  "I came home early from work.  You were sleeping so I didn't want to wake you.  The library was dusty, so I covered my head to protect my hair while searching for some files.  I need to have a word with Mrs. Ahuja about keeping it clean."

Annika sighed.  "It's not her fault, but yours.  You keep the library locked like Fort Knox.  How can she clean it?"

Sheepishly, Shivay agreed.  Together, they searched for the file, finding it within fifteen minutes.  As Shivay locked the library door, he handed Annika the keys.  "Here, make sure Mrs. Ahuja cleans it. I'll take the keys back later."

Back in her room, Annika sighed, tucking the keys away. She checked her phone again, hoping for positive news from her extended family. To her disappointment, everyone had prior commitments and wouldn't be able to attend. A wave of sadness washed over her, but she quickly pushed it down. She would win this competition, on her own terms.

Dinner that night was takeout, filled with Annika's nervous chatter about the competition.  She asked Shivay if he could attend, but his answer was noncommittal.  "I have an important meeting that day, but don't worry.  I'll take you to the venue and try to finish my meeting in time to see you compete."  Annika offered a weak smile, masking the disappointment that flickered in her eyes. As they finished dinner, both retreated to their rooms for the night.

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The day of the finals dawned bright and early. Annika woke with a knot of nerves in her stomach. She showered, dressed in her competition outfit, and meticulously prepped her equipment.

Shivay, true to his word, dropped her off at the venue, his face etched with concern for her disappointment. The drive to the venue was filled with comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional encouraging word from Shivay.

"You've got this, Annika," he said firmly. "I believe in you."  His words were a balm to her anxieties.

Annika offered a brave smile. "Don't worry about it, Shivay. Just focus on your meeting. I'll be fine."

Alone in the waiting area, Annika watched the other finalists surrounded by their families, their faces glowing with a warmth she craved. A lump formed in her throat, threatening to spill over into tears.

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